Residents in last‑ditch effort to nix Rancho Paloma condos
Meeting slated just hours before city council vote
by Barry Cohen

NORTHEAST PHOENIX – Homeowners in northeast Phoenix plan a last‑ditch effort early next month to stave off city approval of a condominium project at the southeast corner of Cave Creek Road and Rancho Paloma.

Residents plan to meet with city council at a zoning hearing Nov. 1 to explain the reasons they oppose the project, said Kathy Hulka, a leader of the Dove Valley Coalition. That meeting will take place just hours before the council votes on the matter at its regularly scheduled meeting.

The Phoenix Planning Commission on Oct. 11 voted unanimously to give Dallas‑based Trammell Crow the approvals it needs to change the city’s General Plan and to rezone the Cave Creek/Rancho Paloma property. The company needs those changes in order to build condos, or apartments, on the 17.5‑acre parcel. At that hearing several community members voiced their opposition.

Opponents contend the proposed development will bring traffic congestion, noise, and will attract the type of people who do not share a sense of community to the area.

Hulka said she anticipated planning commission approval, but didn’t think it would be unanimous. “We thought this area of Phoenix was meant to be rural, with open space, washes, equestrian trails and homes,” she added.

On Oct. 3, the Desert View Village Planning Committee voted against recommending approval of the General Plan amendment requested by the developer, but approved requested zoning changes with stipulations relating to lighting, limited pool hours and building heights.

Village planning committees, appointed by city council members, have no decision‑making authority and provide only guidance on local issues.

Lynn Pleskoff, a member of the Desert View committee, said Trammel Crow seems to be a nice, reputable company. “They’re the kind of developer you want in Phoenix–just not in this community,” she stated.

Previously, area homeowners associations representing 1,300 residents of Dove Valley, Ventana and Dove Valley Ranch subdivisions wrote letters opposing the changes requested by the developer.

Reach the reporter at barry@thedesertadvocate.com.